Tucked into an unassuming Edina strip mall, Cahill Bistro proves that some of the best food in the state hides in the most ordinary places.
This family-owned dining institution blends Latin American flavors with local Minnesota comfort food, and the result has earned it a reputation as one of the region’s true hidden gems.
It’s the kind of restaurant that turns skeptical first-timers into loyal regulars within a single meal.
How Cahill Bistro won Edina’s hearts
Cahill Bistro opened in 2017, founded by brothers Cristian, Alberto, and Carlos Pinos, who grew up on a remote farm in southern Ecuador before eventually bringing those flavors to Minnesota. 🇪🇨
That upbringing shows up directly in the food, which blends traditional South American dishes with a creative Ecuadorian flair rarely found elsewhere in the Twin Cities.
It’s a genuinely personal menu, built on childhood memories rather than trend-chasing.
One local food writer covering the Edina dining scene specifically called out the restaurant’s lomo saltado and poblano vegetariano as “culinary confections” that stand out even among the menu’s many strong options.
The combination of authentic Latin fusion cuisine and hands-on family ownership has made Cahill Bistro a go-to name for anyone searching for standout Ecuadorian restaurants in the Minneapolis area.
Food Highlights
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Filete De Lomo – Beef tenderloin plated over a poblano pepper black bean puree, a signature entrée diners consistently order.
- Lomo Saltado – Sautéed beef tips with red onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, served Ecuadorian-style with achiote rice, fried yuca, and balsamic greens.
- Poblano Vegetariano – A stuffed poblano pepper filled with fresh vegetables and black bean puree, finished with a balsamic reduction.
- Lobster Pasta – Lobster tossed with pasta in a rich sauce, one of the restaurant’s most requested dinner dishes.
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Pan Seared Scallops – Scallops cooked in a chipotle cream sauce, served with risotto and vegetables.
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Shrimp Ceviche – Fresh shrimp marinated in citrus, served chilled as a bright, tangy starter.
- Beef Empanadas – Hand-folded pastries filled with seasoned beef, a favorite starter alongside the shrimp ceviche.
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Ensalada Andina – A South American-inspired salad built with fresh greens and traditional Andean ingredients.
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Tres Leches Cake – A classic Mexican three-milk cake diners describe as “dynamite,” making it one of the most popular desserts on the menu.
Atmosphere
Cahill Bistro feels like a genuine neighborhood hangout, tucked into a strip mall setting that gives no hint of the polished dining room waiting inside. 🌮
The updated, sparkling-clean space pairs well with the warm, family-run service that regulars specifically call out visit after visit.
It’s casual enough for a quick weekday lunch and cozy enough for a relaxed evening out with friends. The overall vibe is unpretentious, welcoming, and distinctly personal.
Bottom Line
Visit for authentic Ecuadorian dishes built on family recipes, standout entrées like the Lomo Saltado and Filete De Lomo, and warm, hands-on service from the owners themselves. Add a cozy neighborhood setting and dynamite tres leches cake, and it’s easy to see why Cahill Bistro has become an Edina favorite.
Address:
7078 Amundson Ave, Edina, MN 55439
📞 (952) 426-4196
🕔 Lunch Mon–Sat 11 AM–4 PM, Dinner Mon–Thu 4 PM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 4 PM–10 PM, Brunch Sat 10 AM–2 PM (closed Sun)